Korean skincare in winter: how to keep your skin hydrated

In winter your skin takes a double hit: outside, cold air and wind dry it out, and indoors the heating makes the air dry. The result is tightness, flaking and redness – even for people whose skin is usually trouble-free. The good news is that Korean skincare is built around hydration and supporting the skin barrier. Here is a simple winter routine and the products we recommend.

Why does skin get dry in winter?

In the cold, your skin produces less sebum and its natural protective layer becomes thinner. During the heating season indoor humidity often drops below 30%, so moisture evaporates from the skin faster. Add temperature changes, hot showers and wool scarves. When the barrier is weakened, skin becomes sensitive even to products that caused no problems in summer.

A 5-step winter routine

1. Gentle cleansing. Choose a mild, pH-balanced foam and wash with lukewarm rather than hot water. For example, Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam cleanses without drying the skin.
2. A hydrating layer. Apply a toner or serum with hyaluronic acid to slightly damp skin to hold moisture in. A great choice is the Torriden Dive In serum.
3. A barrier-supporting cream. In winter your cream can be richer than in summer. Look for ceramides, panthenol and squalane. Our favourites: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream for dry and sensitive skin, the Anua PDRN 100+ cream and the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic cream.
4. A sleeping mask 2–3 times a week. It goes on as the last step and works overnight. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask gives intense hydration, and for redness-prone skin try the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask.
5. SPF in winter too. UV rays don’t disappear in winter, and snow reflects them. The light, hydrating Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun works well under make-up too.

Don’t forget your lips

Lips have no oil glands, so in winter they are the first to dry and crack. Use a balm during the day and a lip mask at night – for example Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask or Abib PDRN Collagen Lip Mask. A lip mask also makes a lovely small Christmas gift.

Common winter skincare mistakes

• Exfoliating too often – in winter a gentle exfoliant once a week is enough.
• Hot water – it strips protective lipids from the skin.
• Toners with alcohol – they dry the skin even more.
• Cream on completely dry skin – hydration absorbs better on slightly damp skin.
• Too many new products at once – if your skin is irritated, simplify your routine and add new products one at a time.

Not sure what suits your skin?

Take our short skin quiz – it suggests a routine from products in stock. Or visit our shop at Narva mnt 5 in Tallinn and we’ll help you choose. Delivery within Estonia is free from 50 €.